Linux For Dummies Quick Reference

March 1, 1998
The Linux operating system has grown out of a free Unix-compatible kernel written by Linus Torvalds. Free means the user is free to run, copy, distribute, study, change, sell, and improve the software as long as the source code is always included in the next release, which means that those who follow are able to do the same. Since Linux is multitasking and processing, it supports multiple users doing multiple actions. And because Linux is designed for running on cheap, slightly out-of-date hardware, Linux has proven valuable to libraries of all sizes who can not afford constant, costly upgrade fees for new software. If you are interested in exploring Linux, these three books serve as a great combined-use package. The Sobell book is voluminous--it includes his original book from last year, A Practical Guide to Linux (LJ 9/1/97), along with a copy of Caldera OpenLinux Lite and much more on the CD-ROMs. The IDG books will be invaluable late-night resources in those magical moments when things go wrong. For a really nice introduction to Linux in libraries, check out On the Cheap: Linux at and consider subscribing to linux4lib, a majordomo discussion list at .